Development of Teaching Methods for Acquiring the Concept of “Narration” in Japanese Language Classes at Junior High Schools: From the Practice of Using Diary Creation and Focusing on the Narrative of “Gongitsune”

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in reading with a focus on “narration” in Japanese language studies. Practical research has highlighted the significance of focusing on “narration” when learners read instructional materials. However, there has not been much research on how to teach the concept of “narration”.

Therefore, this practical study attempted to teach the concept of “narration” to first-year junior high school students through a fictitious “diary creation” and learning activities centering on the narrative of “Gongitsune,” and examined whether learners could grasp and utilize the concept. By comparing the learners’ impressions of “Gongitsune” before and after the entire program, it was found that they understood the concept of “narration” and were able to use it when reading the work. Therefore, the method of teaching the concept of “narration” in this practical study was effective.

However, this practical study was an attempt to teach the concept of “narration” as an introduction, and it is necessary to continue to examine teaching methods through practical research.